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Pep Guardiola could be without three Man City players for Arsenal Premier League clash

Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola face off against each other once again on Sunday (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Manchester City could be missing three key players for the early-season title clash against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Gunners make the trip to Etihad Stadium knowing a win could put them top of the table, should other results go their way, while defeat would see them be five points behind the champions. Kevin De Bruyne is a huge doubt for the home side, though, and will face a late fitness test.

The Belgium playmaker was forced off at half-time during City’s Champions League draw with Inter Milan on Wednesday with a muscular problem. Pep Guardiola is hopeful De Bruyne can feature against the Gunners, however.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Kevin feels a little better, but not yet. Tomorrow [Saturday] we train and we will see.” And in response to whether he could still feature against the Gunners, the City boss added: “He could be involved.”

Oscar Bobb is a long term absentee for City after sustaining a fractured leg last month, while defender Nathan Ake is nursing a thigh injury and is expected to make a return in October. Injuries are also impacting Arsenal, however, and Mikel Arteta has his own issues to deal with.

Captain Martin Odegaard looks set to miss a prolonged period after picking up an ankle injury on international duty. The playmaker was missed against Atalanta especially midweek as the away side struggled to create chances.

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“I’m so sorry for him," Guardiola said on Odegaard. "I always like to play against the toughest squad. Of course he’s an important player but, year by year, Arsenal are getting better.”

Arsenal are also without Mikel Merino (shoulder), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring). Oleksandr Zinchenko has also missed the Gunners past two games with a calf injury but it remains to be seen if the Ukrainian is fit enough to return for the clash with City.